My Rat Pack

Finally, I can really put into practice what we preach. These are my boys, or men actually, embracing the clean and classic black-tie look for a recent wedding. No more "black-tie optional." No more long ties, either. They were ready to go old-school formal, each in their own way. (And yes, they watch Mad Men and read GQ.) My oldest son, twenty-two, felt finally ready to pull off a pocket square and a bow tie.

My middle son, nineteen (on the left), likes to put his own spin on things, so he went for a madras bow tie with a traditional formal shirt, studs and all. Even my youngest son, sixteen, who embraced the slim-lapelled tux and bow tie combo, is realizing that dressing up can be cool. Last year, he never would have gone for it.

And one of my favorite things here: the side parts, which they used to really finish off their looks—even without their mother telling them to do so.

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